NEWS & THOUGHTS ARCHIVE

The Reason for the Season

Evangelist Bob Sanders
December 1, 2007

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Meditating on the Christmas Season and the Christmas Story, I am drawn to the account of the wise men in Matthew 2.  

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. . . . When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 

During this time of the year, we can become side-tracked as to the meaning and message of the season. While the phrase can become redundant, it is still true! “Jesus is the reason for the season.” The activities and the attractions can cause our hearts to become callous to what Christmas is all about. The actions of the wise men project for us three great truths that will help us to maintain the right kind of priorities not only during Christmas, but throughout the entire year. 

(I) Jesus Was the Object of Their Search – vs. 1-2

There is great speculation as to the exact place that the wise men came from. While it may be unclear as to where they came from, it is perfectly clear as to why they came. They were looking for a person, he that was to be born King of the Jews. We do not know when His star appeared and how long they had been searching, but they would settle for nothing less than seeing Him! Throughout the New Testament we have the record on man’s search for the Lord Jesus. One such account is recorded for us in John 12:20-21, “And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.” The phrase “we would” means to be determined, to be deposed, intend, will have. I wonder if we have the same resolve when it comes to our search.

When we consider the season of the search we find these Greeks sought Him by day (see John 12:20). In John 3, we find a religious ruler named Nicodemus that made his search by night. “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (John 3:1-2). In considering the wise men it appears that their search was day and night. We should be actively seeking Him at all times. 

In considering some of those that searched for Jesus, we can see the reason of the search. 

In Mark 10, there is the sinner’s search for salvation. “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Religiously lost in his own self-righteousness, the rich young ruler turned his back on truth. In John 20, there is a saint’s search in sorrow. Knowing His forgiveness and His fellowship, Mary searched for the crucified Christ. Her heart was broken by separation and only He could comfort this broken spirit. “And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.” John 20: 13&14 In Philippians 3, we have the servant’s search for strength. “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:10-13 Paul wanted to know Christ in resurrection power. Paul knew the will and work of God could not be accomplished in his own strength, it would require the same power that brought Jesus forth from the grave. 

Like the wise men, Jesus should be the object of our search during the holiday season and throughout the coming year?

 (II) Jesus Was the Object of Their Salutations
vs. 2, 10-11

Carefully reading the account of the wise men, it becomes evident that neither the wise men nor the star were the subject of their salutations. While they could have bragged on their personal enlightenment and perseverance, it was Jesus that was the object and subject of their salutations. They could have become caught-up in discussing the star that led them. They could have talked of its brilliance and it distinguishing features. The star that was to be a simple guide could have become the object of adoration. But, it was Jesus that they spoke of and Jesus that they worshipped. Within the record of the angel’s conversation to Joseph, we have three reasons for salutations. In Matthew 1:21, there are the salutations for His protection, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” The word “save” means to deliver or protect, to preserve, to make whole. The Word of God said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The only protection from the wrath to come is in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 1:22, there are the salutations for His plan, “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying.” The incarnation and sacrificial offering of God’s dear Son was not the plan and program of men. It was a divine plan established before the foundations of the world. In Matthew 1:23, there are salutations for His purity, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” He was the virgin born Son of God. While He was found in the fashion of a man, He being God was not born under the condemnation of the fall of man. Writing to the believers in Corinth, Paul said, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (II Corinthians 5:21).

This one whom the wise men sought was worthy of their salutations. It was worthy because of His protection, plan, and purity. And He is worthy of our salutations! 

(III) Jesus Was the Object of Their Substance
vs. 11

Having found Him, the object of their search and their salutations, they placed before Him their substance, “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” There was nothing that they would withhold from Him. They placed before Him their presents, “when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Some of the most precious and valuable items of their day were the gifts that were placed before Him. The greatest substance they possessed was not withheld; they placed before Him their person, “and fell down, and worshipped him.” They had given to Him more than just what was in their hands; they had given Him their hearts! When writing to the saints at Philippi, Paul said, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8). When making an offering for sin, David said, “And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing” II Samuel 24:24). 

Entering the holiday season, will we take notice of the wise men of Christmas? They made the Lord Jesus Christ, the object of their search, the object of their salutations, and the object of their substance. It is only when we do this that we to become the wise men of Christmas! 

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